As standard all bait rods are built
on unground, natural carbon blanks with overfit joints. Three
leg Fuji guides are whipped in black and finished with high gloss
epoxy varnish (I don't fit single leg guides as standard in order
to save time and money, simply because I know that they don't
withstand the rigours of pike fishing). Lettering is in white
ink and kept to a bare minimum.

Fuji
BSVOG guide fitted as standard to all DLST predator rods.

Standard handles feature hooded
DNPS graphite reel seat and abbreviated Duplon grips with stainless
steel front collars and butt buttons. Cork handles with DPS reel
seats are standard on boat rods and are available at small extra
cost on other rods. All stated test curves and lengths are approximate,
being a useful guide to a rod's capabilities. As a result of my
policy of progressive development I reserve the right to alter
build specifications from those described here. All rods are supplied
in clear polythene sleeve. Should you require a cloth rod bag
these are available as an extra.

Despite the
test curve the BB350 is a comparatively forgiving rod, but
is well capable of casting foot long herrings, or hurling
big leads a long way. As well as being useful for long range
casting the BB350 has become a firm favourite for big water
pikers on rugged natural lakes and lochs. As well as being
popular pikers it has also been used to catch catfish, twenty
pound plus carp and wrasse.

All Bait Blasters
are finished with the same Fuji fittings as the rest of
my bait rods.

Without
doubt the finest all round predator rod available. Proving
itself by banking loads of twenties and an odd thirty around
the country. While the action is soft enough to cast livebaits
without throwing them from the hooks, there is plenty of power
in the middle and butt for propelling half-baits a fair way
too. Small baits and three ounce leads go a fair way and I
have even used this rod for drifting with success. If the
P-1 won't deal with 90% of your piking needs, then I don't
know what will! I designed the P-1 specifically for pike fishing
- knowing how pike anglers overload and generally mistreat
their gear. Like all the rods in my range this one can take
all the punishment you can throw at it. As well as having
now landed pike to 36lb 4oz the P-1 has also banked zander
to almost 15lb, 52lb catfish and big eels. The perfect all-round
big predator rod? Probably!

"Dave,
just thought I'd let you know I've had my
P-1s since you started building them and still haven't
seen a better blank on the bank." Stewart
Burrows(3/8/01)

This
is the most awesome distance rod I have ever used for casting
big lead/small bait rigs. However it has enough give in the
tip to make it possible to fish at close range in safety.
I have had pike to over twenty pounds on this rod when fishing
at less than twenty yards range! If you need a powerful casting
rod with a relatively forgiving action then this is it. Has
also landed continental river cats to over 78lb. If you prefer
more rings this can be accommodated.

Z-1
12ft/2.25lb: £195.00Seven rings plus tip - 25mm butt/10mm
tip.

Traditional
all-through action. Originally intended for zander fishing
this one has proved equally at home seeking big tench and
carp of any size at close to medium range, not to mention
big barbel. Unlike some slimline blanks this is not a stick
of spaghetti, and it has a wall thickness to withstand my
rough treatment. Pike to well over twenty also landed, by
design by my customers, on this one.

Z-2
12ft/2.5lb: £195.00Six rings plus tip - 30mm butt/10mm
tip.

A
fine, soft tip and a more powerful butt makes the Z-2 an excellent
choice for zandering with bigger baits or at longer range.
Not a bad multi-range carp rod either!

Originally intended as a pike
rod for boat fishing (I landed my 37
on the prototype of this rod), the P-2 has become more popular
for river and drain fishing since I introduced the two ten-footers
below to the list. Even so it is still built as standard
with a cork handle and traditional DPS reel seat, although
abbreviated Duplon can be fitted if you prefer. A lovely
sweet rod, with a steely through action perfect for close
in work with smaller baits, and light enough to hold all
day if you trotting baits. Can also be rung for multipliers.
P-2 features 16.5" of slim cork behind the reel seat, Rover
Ringing as standard..

This ten footer will
tame the wildest loch (lough or lake) pike in the wildest
conditions without ripping hooks free. And Lord knows I
have tried! Capable of casting large baits when fishing
at anchor, and excellent for trolling lures or natural baits,
the P-3 has the guts to turn big fish from anchor ropes,
but still has enough give to absorb sudden lunges from hard
battling fish. Ideally suited for use with braided lines
(I have used 65lb Power Pro for some time) and rung to suit
multiplier or fixed spool reels. Regular boat fishers on
big waters from Lomond to the Lakes, to the Irish Loughs
have used the Loch Tamer to tame pike to over 33lb (they
have even been used on the puddles of the Norfolk Broads)
- and Derek MacDonald landed his trout water beast of 37lb
odd, another over 35lb
and his tremendous 41 pounder on one! If that isn't enough
to confirm this rod's growing status a custom built pair
are what Jason Davis used to take his phenomenal
catch of thirty-five plussers! I have even had a
fourteen pound rainbow on one of mine, but they have subdued
much bigger fish elsewhere, like Adrian Brayshaw's world
record Nile perch - all 213 pounds of it! Not to mention
a few big Spanish catfish. A classic of the age!

In
essence a stepped down version of the Loch Tamer. A little
more power in comparison to the P-2, but still with a pleasing
through action. Teamed with fixed spool reel this is a good
choice or fishing light or soft baits, and for float trolling
situations. In many ways a traditional pike rod like the older
ones amongst us used twenty years ago! Rung to suit multiplier
or fixed spool reels.

P-5
11ft/3lb: £190.00Six rings plus tip - 25mm butt/10mm
tip.

In terms of power this rod
falls between a P-1 and a P3, as it does in length! Although
just a bit too stiff in the tip for casting small, soft
baits, (choose the P-2 for that job) the P-5 makes a real
go-anywhere deadbaiting rod.

Originally designed for fishing
medium to large deadbaits for pike on drains and rivers
where being prepared to move can be crucial to success,
I have also used the P-5 for boat fishing and from the bank
on still waters where I either don't need maximum distance
casting, or where I have to fish under overhanging trees.

The short handle is a couple
of inches longer than on the P-2 etc., and Rover
Ringing is standard. A cork handle and/or eight
rings can be fitted at a small extra charge. No extra charge
for a 30mm butt ring.

CUSTOM
BUILDS, ROD FITTINGS & BLANKS

If you would
prefer your rods built to a non standard specification,
please click here for more information.
If you need any rod fittings to repair or refurbish your
existing rods, or to build your own rods, please click
here to find out
more.

I can supply
bare blanks for most of the rods listed here. Please contact
me for prices.